The Regional Director for Tourism highlighted the performance of Horta Nautical Club as an "active asset" in the promotion of tourism in the Azores, through the organisation of various nautical events. In this regard, he mentioned several sailing regattas calling into Horta Port, the annual organisation of the Nautical Festival - main event of the Sea Week - the participation in fairs to promote the Region as a Destination with a "strong connection to sea-related activities," among other activities.
Filipe Macedo spoke yesterday after a visit to Horta Nautical Club, stressing that that the "Regional Government has no doubts about the role played by this institution and, once again, supports its work towards the development of the sector."
"Nautical tourism, in its various components, has been one of the main focuses of tourism promotion in the Azores. In fact, it is regarded as a product that enhances our tourism offer as a Nature Tourism Destination, as it is developed in a sustainable manner and does not consume natural resources," stressed the government official.
The Regional Director also attended the prize-delivery ceremony of the 13th International Light Sailing Meeting. On the occasion, he emphasised that "events such as this one, dedicated to competition sailing, play an important role in the promotion of tourism due to their wide media coverage and the significant adherence of participants and holidaymakers visiting the Azores. As he also mentioned, the event concerned "counts on the participation of regional, national and international nautical clubs and it has been gaining international projection throughout its 12 editions."
"In fact, this is one of many nautical and sports events that make the Sea Week probably one of the biggest nautical festivals in the country and the oldest in the Azores. Over 43 years of existence, it has been gradually gaining international projection and improving its nautical and recreational offer in terms of quality and quantity," said the Regional Director.
Moreover, Filipe Macedo also recalled that the "Sea Week has become, over the course of four decades, another reason for holidaymakers to visit the island of Faial in the first weeks of August, taking this opportunity to explore all that tourism has to offer on this island."
"From its very beginning, the festival has always been one of the main tourist attraction of Faial Island and one of the most well-known summer festivals in the Azores. It is widely popular, especially among those involved in activities related to the sea and young people," noted the Regional Director.